Have you heard the term "ottobrata"? It literally translates into "beautiful October day" in Italian, and Rome is known for them.
And while it's no longer October, November has plenty of mild, beautiful weather, with an average high temperature of 63F and an added bonus: less, if any, crowds clamoring to get into the city's ancient sites and top restaurants.
Fear not, however, should any crowds exist. Jauntsetter has done its research, and we have super useful tips on how to cut the line for the Colosseum (legally!) and where to dine amongst locals, not tourists. And as always, we also have detailed notes on where to shop, stay and play.
Rome is also, however, a perfect pick for a spontaneous jaunt. We can't think of a better city to experience mapless and unhurried. After all, it wasn't built in a day - and there's no need to try and see it all in a single trip! Stepping out your hotel door and onto Rome's medieval city streets is a treat unto itself. And its centro storico is compact enough that it's hard not to bump into a historic site like the Pantheon, which, by the way, you can simply wander into...
Even more excitingly, all the sites the city has to offer seem to be within a gelato cone's throw of delicious pizza, coffee and vino. Truly, one of the things a New York gal will love most about Rome is its amazing food and wine. That, and the fashionable men zipping around the city in their tailored suits, on Vespas!
So keep reading to find out how to fall in love with Rome alone, with friends or even with a date. With the dollar gaining strength, and airfare pretty darn cheap, Rome has become an affordable off-season getaway. While this Eternal City has been around for ages, we can't think of a better time to go.
Ciao, bella, and let us know if you make the trip!
xoxo,
your jauntsetter team
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Trip Details
When to Go
As mentioned, we believe the Fall is the loveliest time to visit Rome. In fact, some say that November and early December are the best months to be there. Just make sure, however, that you avoid the city during any major religious festivals, like Christmas, when rooms are booked months in advance and tourists abound. You can also swing a trip there in winter, though it can be rainy. Then again, we think a chilly, gray Rome sounds kind of romantic!
We also believe Rome can be a perfect last-minute getaway. There's plenty of accommodations to choose from and countless direct flights from New York. Plus, in our book, it's easy to justify any trip to Rome. You've got to visit the historic center of Western civilization at at least once in your life; why not visit sooner rather than later? And, if you've already been to Rome, head over again: we believe The Eternal City only gets better with age.
Length of Stay
How much time do you need in Rome? For us, a week would be ideal, but if you can't spare many vacation days, even just four nights in the city can work. Really.
To put things in perspective: the flight to Rome doesn't take much longer than 8 hours, and the time difference really isn't bad. In fact, it's almost favorable; your jet lag will encourage staying up late and sleeping in, which is pretty much our modus operandi on vacation. Plus, in Italy, afternoon napping is encouraged as most shops and restaurants close between 1 and 4.
Getting There
There are plenty of cheap flights to Rome right now. We found one through 1800FlyEurope on AirItalia for $596. This is roundtrip, nonstop and including all taxes and fees. And seriously, seriously cheap. We used the dates December 4th through 11th, but there are plenty to choose from.
If, however, you're not finding availability with AirItalia, you can also book Eurofly through CheapoAir for a cool $618. Again, this price includes all fees and is for a roundtrip, nonstop flight. Dates are flexible (we used the first week in December for our fare) but flights may sell out, so book fast!
Or, for travel dates valid all the way up until April (excluding December 16th to 24th) book directly with EuroFly for roundtrip, nonstop all inclusive flights for as little as $634; just make sure you do it fast as seats are limited!
Finally, if you're interested in some super bargain packages, including four nights accomodations and roundtrip airfare, all for $994 including fees and taxes, check out our "detailed information" section at the bottom of this page.
Getting Around
Yes, yes - we know, you're a New Yorker and you love public transportation. But don't bother taking the Metro in Rome; it really doesn't go anywhere you need to be. Buses, too, become complicated for the short term visitor.
We say walk was much as you can; it's fun getting lost in Rome, plus you'll need to work off all the amazing foods you'll be eating (a jauntsetter rule for Rome: you must have gelato at least once a day!).
Otherwise, splurge on the occasional cab, especially late night: they aren't prohibitively expensive. Plus, you can keep your change: Romans don't tip cab drivers - at all.
For a special but important note on getting to and from the airport, see our "detailed information" section below.
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Where to Stay
[Please note: all hotel rates are pre-tax.]
Our #1 Pick: The Hotel Locarno
This is our favorite hotel in Rome: affordable, quiet, cozy and very romantic. It's also a great value: every room in this former bank comes with included buffet breakfast (which is really quite good; cappuccinos and eggs are made to order) and free use of the hotel's bikes. Not that you need them - the Locarno is very centrally located in the Tridente neighborhood, within walking distance of the city center and its ancient attractions, including the Pantheon and Spanish Steps. Another perk: the hotel will also arrange a 40 euro car service back to the airport when it's time to leave.
One word of warning - the rooms in this hotel vary greatly in terms of size and quality: some rooms are admittedly cramped and have seen better days. If you don't like your room when you arrive, ask (nicely but firmly) to see other options. Better yet, request a specific room in advance, and confirm it before arrival: rooms 442, 406, 602 or 605, or any of the double deluxe rooms are all recommended.
Whatever room you get, make sure you make your way up to the lovely roof, where you can enjoy your own bottle of wine (the bartender will gladly give you your own glasses and a corkscrew). And don't miss Buccone, an enoteca a couple of blocks away (Via Ripetta 19-20). This bottle-shop-cum-restaurant is absolutely delicious and should not be missed!
Rates at the Locarno start at $171/night and there's a nice special on the website: book online for three nights and get upgraded to a superior room when available, plus a free light lunch for two people. If you book this special for January and February you'll actually get your third night free!
Our Budget Pick: Hotel Italia
When it comes to budget options, it's slim pickings in Rome - which is why Hotel Italia is such a godsend. The friendly family-run hotel offers a double room for 70-130 Euros (about $113 right now) and a single for 50-90 Euros (about $80). What makes their low rate even better is that it comes with a generous breakfast buffet and free wireless.
For a few other budget options, and our splurge option, scroll down to our "more detailed" section at the bottom of this page.
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What to Do
There's so much to do in Rome that we'll leave most of our recommendations to our daily-updated blog. That said, below find some of our absolutely favorite Roman attractions. Unsurprisingly, many revolve around food and drink.
- Obviously, one must visit the Colosseum when in Rome. Our big tip, however, is to first head for the nearby Palantine, which is a must-see attraction in its own right. There you can buy a combo-ticket for both the Colosseum and Palantine at a reduced price. But more importantly, you will skip the entire line - yes, the entire line! - when you eventually make it to the Colosseum.
- Dutiful sightseers will also make their way to the Roman Forum, St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican and the Spanish Steps. Luckily, all of these attractions are near lovely cafes, gelaterias and enotecas. Make sure you take time to nourish the body whilst enriching the mind and soul!
- Our favorite wine bar? The Atica Enoteca de via della Croce (at via de la Croce in the Tridente neighborhood). The perfect stop in the afternoon, this entoca still has its original 1842 wooden bar and cash register, and tons of great antipasto and vino to indulge in.
- For something more modern, try the nearby Gusto (Piazza Augusto Imperatore 9) which is a wine bar, pizzeria, restaurant and shop all in one. Delicious food, streamlined design and friendly service.
- A trip to Rome without pizza is criminal and just plain silly. Make sure you head over to the Trastevere neighborhood to eat with the locals. Our favorite place? The crowded and unpretentous Dar Poeta (Vicolo del Bologna). No reservations taken so be prepared to wait; it's worth it. After dinner, head to a nearby Piazza to hang out with students and young folk, who spill out of bars and onto the streets on weekend nights.
- Have an apertivo at Societe Lutece, a cramped bar popular with Roman hipsters. If you get there early, there's a free antipasti buffet; arrive late for DJs and a buzzing Vespa scene.
- Definitely hit up a bottle shop for lunch. The previously mentioned Bucconne is our favorite but Enoteca Corsi, also in Tridente (Via del Gesu) is a close second.
- Make a wish, throw a coin and gaze at the lovely if ornate Trevi Fountain. Your daily required gelato should be consumed by the nearby Il Gelato di San Crispino (Via della Panetteria 42)
- Go ahead and have a strong espresso at Rome's most famous coffee shop, the Bar Sant'Eustachio (Piazza Sant'Eustachio) in the city center. This cafe is the perfect stop for refueling amid a day of sightseeing. Order and pay at one counter, get your coffee at another. (Tip: they serve all their coffee with sugar as the norm; if you don't want it, say so when you order. "Amaro grazi!" Also, milk-based coffees like cappuccinos are typically enjoyed only in the AM.)
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More Detailed Information
Getting Around - To and From the Airport
Getting Around - To and From the Airport
As in many other major cities, there are touts at the airport who will try and convince you to take their service. Don't: stick to the licensed taxis, which are always white and have a meter.
The all-inclusive fee to/from Fulminico airport is 40 euro, and to/from Ciampino airport is 30 euro. Don't pay any more than that; it is not per person or per couple - it's per cab ride. And don't take anything but a licensed taxi, unless you want to be ripped off.
Where to Stay
Our Splurge Pick: Hotel Mascagni
Normally picking where to stay means having to choose between central location and a quiet night, but at Hotel Mascagni, you get both - which is why we've made it our splurge pick for Rome. This small hotel is within walking distance to many sights (the Spanish Steps, Triton and Trevi Fountains, the Pantheon, The Colosseum) as well as the main train station (Termini) and the subways; but at the same time, you won't get any of the usual concomitant noise, since all the hotel's windows and doors are soundproof!
Hotel Mascagni also deserves mention for its elegant full breakfast (complete with free newspapers), simple but classy decor (high ceilings, wall-to-wall carpeting, rich fabrics, and light colors), and very helpful and attentive staff.
Rates vary depending on the season, but a two-person stay in a double room at this time of year will cost you between 216 and 250 Euros (or $270-$315) per night. And if you stay a minimum of 3 nights, you'll qualify for one of their two specials: 20% and 35% off.
More Budget Picks
Like our splurge pick, the Hotel Romae is located in the central neighborhood by the Termini bus station - so you'll be a short walk away from major sites here as well. And despite its low rates (which start at 50 Euros, or $63), this hotel is not bare-bones: you'll find included satellite TV, in-room safe, hair dryer, full breakfast, and free internet. They also offer sundry international newspapers, which we suggest reading in their lovely courtyard garden.
San Giuseppe della Montagna
For a truly Roman experience in addition to a low price, we recommend staying at this convent just outside the Vatican. While the minimalist San Giuseppe doesn't come with any special bells and whistles, it has enough to keep you comfortable and happy: a free (though spartan) breakfast, private bathrooms, and no curfew. (We have friends who have been locked out of convents in Venice!) Rates vary but Fodors features the convent as its most affordable Rome hotel option, so you can expect to pay far less than $100. To book, call 06/39723807. No credit cards.
Where to Stay: Apartment Rentals
If you're so inclined, rent an apartment through the highly-rated Leisure in Rome - rates start at $150/night and most apartments sleep 4 or more people - perfect for an affordable group getaway! The minimum rental is usually 3 nights.
Package Deals
TourCrafters have a 4-night + airfare special to Rome.
This package is available until March 15 and it's dirt cheap - if you book one of the 3 star hotels, you'll pay $996/person based on double occupancy for lodging and airfare. That said, we've done the research on this deal and have one qualification: the majority of their offered hotels have gotten terrible reviews, so pick carefully when you book the package.
Based on our findings, it looks like the 4-star Artemide (for $1009 plus about $112 in airport taxes) and the 3-star Hotel Oxford (for $882 plus about $112 in airport taxes) are your best options.
Both have been well-reviewed on Tripadvisor, especially Artemide, which is voted #18 of over 1200 Rome hotels. One final note: each package comes with a daily buffet breakfast and 20% off city sight-seeing tours.
